CITY OF TORONTO
URBAN DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Judi McBurney
2-7963
Inspections
January 15, 1998
To: Executive Committee
Subject: Municipal Code Chapter 202 Request for Natural Garden Exemption for 239 Havelock Street (normally would be submitted to Neighbourhoods Committee)
Origin: Director of Inspections and Chief Building Official (p:\1997\ug\uds\bld\ex970070.bld) -bs
Recommendations:
1. That City Council grant an exemption under Municipal Code Chapter 202, Section 202-2D to cancel the served notice and to allow a natural garden to remain at 239 Havelock Street; or
2. That City Council confirm the served notice and direct that a second notice be given under Municipal Code Chapter 202, Section 202-2D requiring the cutting of grass and weeds, as prescribed in the regulations.
Comments:
On October 1st, 1997 a notice was served to the owner and occupant of the property known as 239 Havelock Street to require that tall grass and weeds be cut, in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter 202. A submission received October 3rd, 1997 from the occupant of the property, requesting exemption from grass and weed cutting requirements on the basis that the property contains a natural garden. A copy of this submission has been provided to the Executive Committee. Provision and procedures for such exemption are contained in Municipal Code Chapter 202, Section 202-2D. In accordance with these provisions such a request for exemption is to be reviewed by the Neighbourhoods Committee and Council. Due to the fact that the final Neighbourhood’s Committee meeting for 1997 has already occurred but that City council has indicated that it would call any necessary meetings prior to the end of 1997 to address any outstanding issues, this matter is being referred to the Executive Committee in order that the matter might be dealt with and sent on to Council at its subsequent meeting.
On Ocbober 22nd, 1997, a report was received from the Parks Division stating that their inspection indicated that the yard at 239 Havelock Street contains a substantial amount of trees, shrubs and native wild flowers, as would appear to be appropriate in a naturalized residential garden.
This report was prepared in consultation with staff of the Parks Division.
John Morand, Commissioner of Urban Development Services concurs with this report.
Pam Coburn
Director of Inspections and Chief Building Official
John D. Morand
Commissioner